Femme Rising

Femme Rising is a modern jiu jitsu, self-defense, and kickboxing studio empowering women and girls in Portland, Oregon. Designed by Gordon Kingsley Bass of GKB Interiors, the space embodies both strength and serenity through thoughtful details. Warm, natural textures and soft architectural curves create an inviting atmosphere, balancing the intensity of training with a sense of calm. Integrated features—such as built-in seating, backlit archways, and motivational statements—enhance the experience, fostering personal empowerment as well as collective growth. More than a training facility, this studio is a sanctuary for strength, resilience, and community.

To support this vision, Gordan approached us to construct 30 circular cushion pads that complement the architectural platforms throughout the space. Their compact, portable design allows them to be easily moved or rearranged to meet the evolving needs of each class. In the locker area, we added a custom cushion to the arched bench, seamlessly tying it into the surrounding finishes. The archway itself is lined with NappaTiles from Concertex—modular acoustic tiles that reduce ambient noise and improve sound quality. To unify the design, our cushions were upholstered in the same Concertex fabrics and mirrored the channel width of the tiles in our cushion detailing, creating a cohesive and refined aesthetic.